Football briefs: Clash between Singletary, Martz could be in the offing

After all was said and done, we hear Mike Singletary’s eye-popping debut as the Niners’ head coach created an overwhelmingly positive buzz — for the most part.

“It’s a good thing because, to a certain extent, he’s made the Niners relevant again,” one source close to the scene told PFW.

“But there’s also a certain degree of weariness already developing. He’s making some pretty elaborate promises that have made a lot of people scratch their heads, making bold statements about becoming a championship team, as well as a model team.”

The hard reality, though, is that the Niners are a team that hasn’t had a winning record since 2002, as well as a team that faces a daunting second-half schedule with five of its eight games on the road.

The way we hear it, they are also a team that may be looking at a potentially stormy clash between Singletary and Niners offensive coordinator Mike Martz.

Even though Martz has publicly signed off on Singletary’s preference for Shaun Hill over the erratic J.T. O’Sullivan under center, daily team observers would hardly be shocked if Martz eventually throws up his hands in disgust over an increasingly conservative offense, the same way Singletary threw up his hands in Martz’s face on the sideline after O’Sullivan’s ill-advised pass that was intercepted and returned for a TD just before halftime in the Niners’ latest loss.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Martz splits before the season is over,” said one team insider. “Singletary wants to win with defense and special teams, and that’s just not Martz’s m.o. at all.

“Hill is not a Martz-type quarterback. He’s not a great downfield thrower, and he doesn’t know Martz’s system like O’Sullivan. He’s more of a check-down guy; J.T. didn’t ever throw check-downs.”

We hear a different dynamic altogether could be developing on the other side of the ball, with defensive coordinator Greg Manusky expected to stick more with a pure 3-4 scheme now that departed head coach Mike Nolan’s influence has been removed. Should that indeed be the case, the prospects moving forward will at least be a lot brighter for former first-round OLB Manny Lawson, who had his best game of the season in Week Eight operating primarily out of a 3-4.

NFL Whispers

JAGUARS: There are some in Jacksonville who believe reserve Tony McDaniel is far more equipped to be the DT starter over Rob Meier, who’s seen by some as more of spot-duty, energy guy.

JETS: The importance of the Jets’ trading back into the first round to grab TE Dustin Keller has been highlighted by the injuries the club has suffered at the TE and WR positions. Sources close to the club say the rookie out of Purdue has carried himself with an air of confidence as far back as minicamp and OTAs and has the full respect of his teammates and coaches.

PATRIOTS: The Patriots’ pass protection is downright ugly. The offensive line, particularly on the right side, which has seen a revolving door of personnel due to injuries, is getting QB Matt Cassel battered. However, Cassel deserves much of blame for the abuse he’s taken, given his tendency to hold on to the ball far too long. The Pats gave up three sacks to the Rams last week, including two to rookie Chris Long.

The Fantasy Buzz

The Cowboys’ offense mostly has been stuck in neutral with Brad Johnson at quarterback, and things aren’t likely to get back on track with a trip to Giants Stadium. The Giants defend the pass well and put constant pressure on opposing signal-callers — they have a league-high 26 sacks — so it could be a rough day for Johnson and WRs Terrell Owens and Roy Williams.

Another offense completely out of whack without its starting quarterback is Seattle. With Matt Hasselbeck sidelined, the team has struggled to move the ball by air or by land, and the Eagles figure to make life even more difficult for them this week. Philly is allowing only 89.4 rushing yards per game, making Seahawks RBs Julius Jones and Maurice Morris poor starts.

Over his last four games, Texans WR Andre Johnson’s worst output in terms of receptions and yardage was a nine-catch, 131-yard game against the Colts in Week Five. Following that performance, Johnson has caught at least 10 passes for at least 141 yards in three straight games. He’s had 41 catches for 593 yards in these past four games — that’s a good season for some receivers. The big numbers ought to keep coming this week against the Vikings, who usually shut down opponents’ running games and force them to throw. If Johnson’s fantasy owners have a gripe, it’s that A.J. has scored only two TDs this season ... but somehow we doubt they’re carping too loudly

For more NFL news and daily fantasy football advice, visit ProFootballWeekly.com.

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